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Here at the FTC, we spend most of our time working to protect your consumer rights and promote fair competition among companies. We conduct investigations, bring cases, give people tips and advice, help businesses comply with the law, and advocate for consumer-friendly policies around the world.

Every once in a while, we take a moment to measure our impact and consider what we’ve accomplished. That lets us explain our approach to people and companies that want to know, and helps us plan for the future. Continue Reading >

Last May, we told you that the FTC, along with all 50 states and the District of Columbia, announced a complaint against four sham charities. Children’s Cancer Fund of America and the Breast Cancer Society agreed to shut down, but Cancer Fund of America (CFA) and Cancer Support Services (CSS) refused – until now. Continue Reading >

As you turn on the A.C. this spring, saving money on utilities might come to mind. Some states let you choose your energy supplier for electricity or natural gas. Maybe you're getting offers from companies, asking you to switch from your local utility company. Before you make a move, here are some questions to ask. Continue Reading >

Buying a home is exciting. You saved for the down payment, scheduled the move, and are dreaming of planting new roots. Closing is right around the corner… unless a scammer gets your settlement fees first. Continue Reading >

Buying a home is exciting. You saved for the down payment, scheduled the move, and are dreaming of planting new roots. Closing is right around the corner… unless a scammer gets your settlement fees first. Continue Reading >

Picture this: It’s dinner time. The kids are screaming. Then the phone rings just as you sit down. It could be important, so you run through the toys to the phone. You answer, but all you hear is silence. After a few seconds, a recorded message reminds you that it may be time to have your carpets cleaned and they offer a great deal this month. Or you’ve won a trip. Or you can lower your credit card interest rate. Continue Reading >

In 2015, Florida ranked first for fraud and third for identify theft consumer complaints nationwide. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford ranked 32nd for fraud and 22nd for identify theft. Sadly, con artists like to ply their trade in our region.

Florida — especially Central Florida — is a transient state with millions of tourists yearly. Predators see this as a golden opportunity since families enjoying vacation tend to let their guards down. But the presence of tourists doesn’t make residents any safer from fraud. The internet has added more opportunities to entice people into a trap. Continue Reading >

In 2015, Florida ranked first for fraud and third for identify theft consumer complaints nationwide. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford ranked 32nd for fraud and 22nd for identify theft. Sadly, con artists like to ply their trade in our region.

Florida — especially Central Florida — is a transient state with millions of tourists yearly. Predators see this as a golden opportunity since families enjoying vacation tend to let their guards down. But the presence of tourists doesn’t make residents any safer from fraud. The internet has added more opportunities to entice people into a trap. Continue Reading >

by Nicole A. Navas, Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

As part of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch highlighted the potential risks posed to consumers by dietary supplements. Her video statement builds upon a nationwide, dietary supplement sweep announced in November 2015 by the Department of Justice and its federal partners. Continue Reading >

Many people use their cell phones and other mobile devices to pay for purchases. On the street of our office here at CFA, people pay for parking with mobile devices — plus buy coffee and shop at some retail stores and websites.

For most consumers, the biggest benefit of mobile payments is convenience. No need to pull out your wallet for cash or plastic — especially if you’ve got your phone at hand anyway. No need to type in your payment information to buy online. But what if your financial and other personal information isn’t safe? Continue Reading >